NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 6:56 AM ET
NBA Basketball
The Lakers' starting five totaled 137 points in Thursday's game, led by Luka Doncic's 51-point explosion and LeBron James' return, marking the highest-scoring starting lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season. Dončić's dominant performance included 10 three-pointers, while LeBron's playmaking set up 12 assists, underscoring the team's offensive synergy. Celtics Voice Frustration Over Foul Baiting Jaylen Brown criticized the NBA's trend of rewarding "foul baiting," calling it "not basketball," as the league increasingly penalizes defensive players for contact. Meanwhile, the Spurs lost to the Nuggets 136-131 without Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with right ankle soreness, leaving the team short-handed against Denver's Jokic-led attack. Knicks Navigate Playoff Push The Knicks face critical challenges to secure a playoff berth, including resolving issues with Kristaps Porzingis' injury and Jalen Brunson's contract negotiations, as their 42-25 record hinges on a tight Eastern Conference race. Analysts highlight five key fixes needed to elevate their chances, from defensive consistency to roster depth. Silly Season Stars Emerge ESPN's expert picks for the season's final stretch include rising talents like Tre Johnson and GG Jackson, whose breakout performances could reshape playoff narratives as teams chase momentum.